Joel Desotelle, MS OTR/L, Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Clinical Coordinator at Keystone Pediatric Therapies, shares how STEM Activities are an investment in your child’s development.
WHAT ARE STEM ACTIVITIES?
STEM stands for “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.” STEM Activities offer children of all ages experiments and problems to complete, developing important cognitive and analytical skills. These core skills help to ready your child for higher education and work in the 21st century.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
STEM Activities help your child learn problem-solving, engineering, and mathematics in a fun way. These hands-on activities not only develop important skills, but promote active minds and self-esteem. Kids learn to plan, organize, and work through a problem while earning a great sense of satisfaction from their success.
STEM ACTIVITIES CONQUER BOREDOM
Today’s generation of children struggle to find activities that can capture their attention outside of electronics. A few household supplies can easily turn a day of boredom into a day of enrichment! STEM Challenges get children off the couch and into the world of thinking and learning. From designing a boat that floats to building a bridge between two side tables, the opportunities are endless!
WHERE CAN I FIND STEM ACTIVITIES?
Ideas for STEM Activities and Challenges can be found all over the internet and Pinterest. There are challenges for all ages from young children to adults (teens too!). And once you get the hang of it, it won’t be long before you are designing your own.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Find a STEM Activity or Challenge that interests your child, gather up some supplies and you are ready to go. If you have more than one child, you can even make it a competition or set up teams. And while your child is having a blast using his or her brain, you can feel good knowing you are making an awesome investment in your child’s future.
This article contains general information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment or care by a qualified health care provider.